Universal Credit
Universal Credit, step by step.
Universal Credit is one monthly payment that helps with living costs if you are on a low income, out of work or unable to work. Here is how it works, and how we can help you claim it.
Key numbers
£424.90
Standard allowance a month, single, 25 or over
£303.94
Extra a month for each child
55p
UC goes down for every £1 you earn
£16,000
Savings limit
Who can claim
You can usually claim if you:
- live in the UK
- are 18 or over (there are some exceptions for 16 and 17 year olds)
- are under State Pension age
- have £16,000 or less in money, savings and investments
You can claim if you work, including part-time or self-employed. Couples must make one joint claim. EU, EEA and Swiss citizens may also need settled or pre-settled status.
Standard allowance (monthly)
| Single, under 25 | £338.58 |
|---|---|
| Single, 25 or over | £424.90 |
| Couple, both under 25 | £528.34 |
| Couple, either of you 25 or over | £666.97 |
Extra amounts (monthly)
| Each child living with you | £303.94 |
|---|---|
| First child born before 6 April 2017 (extra) | £47.94 |
| Disabled child, lower / higher amount | £164.79 / £514.71 |
| Severe health condition (LCWRA) | £429.80 |
| Less severe health condition | £217.26 |
| Carer (35+ hours a week) | £209.34 |
| Childcare, if working | up to 85%, max £1,071.09 (1 child) / £1,836.16 (2+) |
You can also get help with rent. Extra amounts are not added automatically: you must report the change.
Working and savings
There is no limit on the hours you can work. Once any work allowance has been used, Universal Credit normally goes down by 55p for each £1 of earnings. Your overall income depends on your full circumstances, including tax and other costs.
If you are responsible for a child, or have a health condition that affects your work, you can earn £427 a month (if you get help with rent) or £710 a month (if you do not) before your payment starts to go down.
Savings up to £6,000 do not count. Between £6,000 and £16,000, your payment goes down by £4.35 a month for every £250. Over £16,000 you usually cannot get Universal Credit.
How a claim works
- 01
Create your account
You must finish the claim within 28 days of creating your account, or start again.
- 02
Prove your identity
For example with a passport, driving licence, bank card, payslip or P60.
- 03
Claimant commitment meeting
Usually at the jobcentre. You must accept your commitment before you are paid.
- 04
First payment
Usually around 5 weeks after you claim. Then monthly, on the same date.
Already on other benefits?
If you already get benefits such as Housing Benefit or income-related ESA, check first whether you will be better off. Once you claim Universal Credit, these stop and you cannot go back, even if your claim is refused.
Figures checked on GOV.UK on 6 October 2026. Rates change every April. Source: gov.uk/universal-credit
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